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Ingredient Glossary A - Z

Alpha arbutin is a natural skin-lightening agent derived from the bearberry plant. It is a glycosylated hydroquinone that inhibits melanin production in the skin.

  • Properties and Effects: It is known for its ability to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. It works by inhibiting the enzyme involved in melanin synthesis, leading to a brighter complexion with regular use.

Argan oil is a natural oil extracted from the kernels of the argan tree (Argania spinosa), native to Morocco.

  • Properties and Effects: Argan oil is rich in fatty acids, including oleic acid and linoleic acid, as well as antioxidants such as vitamin E and phenols. It is highly moisturizing and nourishing, making it beneficial for dry, damaged, or aging skin. Argan oil helps to improve skin elasticity, reduce inflammation, and promote healing, making it effective in treating conditions like eczema, acne, and psoriasis. It absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a greasy residue, leaving the skin feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated. Argan oil can also be used to condition and strengthen the hair, promote hair growth, and soothe the scalp.

Avocado oil is a natural oil extracted from the pulp of avocados, the fruit of the avocado tree (Persea americana).

  • Properties and Effects: Avocado oil is rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it highly beneficial for skin health. It contains oleic acid, which helps to moisturize and nourish the skin, enhancing its softness and suppleness. The oil also contains lutein, a carotenoid antioxidant that protects the skin from oxidative damage and promotes skin elasticity. Avocado oil is deeply hydrating and soothing, making it suitable for dry, irritated, or sensitive skin. It can help to alleviate symptoms of conditions like eczema and psoriasis and promote overall skin health and vitality. Additionally, the oil's high content of vitamins E and C provides anti-aging benefits, protecting the skin from environmental stressors and promoting a youthful complexion

Bakuchiol is a plant-derived compound found in the seeds and leaves of the Babchi plant (Psoralea corylifolia). It is often referred to as a natural alternative to retinol.

  • Properties and Effects: Bakuchiol exhibits retinol-like effects on the skin, including stimulating collagen production, improving skin elasticity, and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It also possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it suitable for sensitive skin types.

Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant found in various plants, including coffee beans, tea leaves, cacao beans, and kola nuts.

  • Properties and Effects: Caffeine has several effects on the skin when applied topically. It acts as a vasoconstrictor, reducing the appearance of blood vessels and diminishing puffiness and dark circles around the eyes. It also has antioxidant properties, which help protect the skin from free radical damage and environmental stressors. It can improve microcirculation, leading to increased blood flow and oxygenation to the skin cells, resulting in a more radiant complexion. Caffeine has been shown to temporarily tighten and firm the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is used in eye creams, serums, and cellulite treatments to address specific concerns such as tired-looking eyes, dullness, and uneven texture.

D-Panthenol, also known as provitamin B5, is the stable form of pantothenic acid, a water-soluble vitamin.

  • Properties and Effects:D-Panthenol has moisturizing, soothing, and healing properties, making it a popular ingredient in skincare products. It penetrates deep into the skin, where it is converted into pantothenic acid, a key component of coenzyme A, which plays a vital role in cellular metabolism and regeneration. D-Panthenol helps to improve skin hydration, reduce inflammation, and accelerate wound healing, making it effective in treating dry, irritated, or damaged skin conditions. It also strengthens the skin barrier, enhances skin elasticity, and promotes a smooth and healthy complexion. Additionally, D-Panthenol can be used to nourish and condition the hair, leaving it soft, shiny, and more manageable.

Dr. Villy's exosomes, derived from Korean green tangerines, are extracellular vesicles released by cells, that contain various biomolecules such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. In skincare, they are often used for their regenerative and rejuvenating properties.

  • Properties and Effects: Exosomes can promote cellular communication, repair damaged cells, and enhance skin regeneration. They contribute to improved skin texture, firmness, and overall appearance by delivering bioactive molecules to target cells.

Ferulic acid is a plant-based antioxidant, a natural compound found in the cell walls of plants, particularly in rice bran, oats, wheat bran, barley, oranges, apples, and certain vegetables like spinach and kale.

  • Properties and Effects: Ferulic acid is known for its potent antioxidant properties, which help protect the skin from free radical damage caused by UV radiation and environmental pollutants. When combined with other antioxidants like Vitamin C and Vitamin E, it can enhance their efficacy and stability, making it a very effective ingredient in anti-aging skincare products. Additionally, ferulic acid has anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for soothing and calming irritated skin. It also helps to improve skin texture and tone by promoting collagen synthesis and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the human body, primarily found in connective tissues, skin, and eyes. It's a powerful humectant, capable of holding up to 1000 times its weight in water.

  • Properties and Effects: Hyaluronic acid provides intense hydration to the skin, helping to plump and moisturize. It improves skin elasticity, smoothness, and suppleness while also reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin that offers various benefits for the skin.

  • Properties and Effects: Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to regulate sebum production, making it beneficial for acne-prone skin. It also improves skin barrier function, reduces the appearance of pores, and fades hyperpigmentation, leading to a more even complexion and healthier-looking skin overall.

Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A, known for its potent anti-aging properties.

  • Properties and Effects: Retinol accelerates cell turnover, stimulates collagen production, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. It also helps to unclog pores, making it effective for treating acne and improving overall skin texture and tone.

Shea butter is a natural fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), native to Africa.

  • Properties and Effects: Shea butter is rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it highly beneficial for skin and hair care. It is deeply moisturizing and emollient, providing intense hydration to the skin while forming a protective barrier to lock in moisture. Shea butter is renowned for its nourishing and healing properties, making it effective in soothing and relieving dry, irritated, or sensitive skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. It helps to improve skin elasticity, reduce inflammation, and promote skin regeneration, aiding in the repair of damaged skin cells. Shea butter is also commonly used in anti-aging skincare products for its ability to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone and texture, and enhance overall skin health and vitality. Additionally, it can be used to moisturize and condition the hair and scalp, providing relief from dryness, itchiness, and dandruff while promoting hair growth and strength.

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a potent antioxidant that plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis and skin health.

  • Properties and Effects: Vitamin C protects the skin from free radical damage caused by environmental stressors like UV radiation and pollution. It brightens the complexion, fades dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and promotes even skin tone. Additionally, it boosts collagen production, improving skin firmness and elasticity while also providing some level of UV protection.

Vitamin E refers to a group of fat-soluble antioxidants that include tocopherols and tocotrienols.

  • Properties and Effects: Vitamin E acts as a potent antioxidant, protecting the skin from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, UV radiation, and environmental pollutants. It helps to prevent premature aging by neutralizing harmful molecules and reducing inflammation. Vitamin E also supports skin barrier function, enhances moisture, and promotes wound healing. When applied topically, it can improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks, and promote a more youthful complexion. Additionally, Vitamin E works in synch with Vitamin C to enhance its antioxidant effects and provide greater protection against UV damage.